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Psychiatry, religion and cognitive science
1Psychiatric Services, Bendigo Health Care Group, PO Box 78, Strathdale, Victoria 3550, Australia. bathgate@nex.net.au
The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry
|June 5, 2003
Summary
Cognitive science findings may bridge the gap between psychiatry and religion. By challenging the mind-body split, these insights open doors for dialogue and collaborative research between psychotherapy and spiritual understanding.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Religious Studies
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Psychiatric and religious/spiritual understandings often exist in separate domains.
- Western religious tradition and psychotherapeutic practice frequently exhibit an implicit mind-body split.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore how cognitive science findings can bridge the conceptual divide between psychiatry and religious/spiritual understanding.
- To examine the potential for dialogue and collaboration between these fields.
Main Methods:
- Reviewing differences between psychiatric (psychotherapeutic) and Western religious/spiritual understanding.
- Analyzing cognitive science findings that challenge the mind-body dualism prevalent in both fields.
- Identifying elements within spiritual traditions that counter dualistic viewpoints.
Main Results:
- Psychotherapy and most Western religious thought share a belief in a transcendent mind.
- Cognitive science and certain spiritual traditions challenge the implicit mind-body split.
Conclusions:
- Developments in cognitive science offer a basis for renewed dialogue between psychiatry and religion.
- This interdisciplinary approach may foster collaborative research opportunities.